Pearl Bates Pugh

July 14, 2021

Pearl Bates Pugh Born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 28, 1930, Mama entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. She is survived by her daughters, Jan Pugh Rochester (Richard), Karen Pugh Walker (John), and Amy Pugh Jordan (Jim); grandchildren, Carrie Rochester Tucker (Brendan), Jonathan Rochester, James Walker (Samantha), and Laura Jordan McCarty (Mark); great-grandchildren Audriana Walker, Henry Walker, Miller McCarty, Stockton McCarty, and Eliza Tucker; sisters, Brenda Bates, Elaine Bates Free, and Kay Bates; sister-in-law Terry Richards Pugh; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and fellow Christians. Amongst these are virtual family members, the Garners — Jane, Jim (Bubba), Steve (Lefty), Philip, and Nancy. The first of seven [surviving] children born to John and Ruby Bates, Mama graduated from West Fulton High School in 1947, and married her beloved James Gartrell Pugh in 1948. They celebrated 58 years of marriage during which Mama served as a faithful homemaker until Daddy was called home in 2006. Though “shut-in,” as is said, during recent years, Mama remained a faithful member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church. Heartfelt thanks to all those who would call [when she could hear], send cards, or drop by to visit Mama during these “shut-in” years. And special but inadequate thanks to her baby sister, Kay, who gave selflessly of her time and energy to Mama. Mama was an excellent seamstress, a perfectionist crocheter, and a very good cook, whose iced tea and chocolate pound cakes were widely praised [and enjoyed]. During recent years of declining health, Mama rebounded in amazing fashion from a series of dreadful maladies, and made the most of her situation despite her frustrating deafness. She very much loved her family and, along with Daddy, would “get up in the middle of the night” if they thought their children were in need of anything. Our hearts abound with wonderful memories of a loving home, in a neighborhood with close friends and lots of family. Mama was the quiet support and caterer during the years that the youth choir would spend countless summer evenings cramped in our living room, playing ‘killer,’ singing, laughing, and otherwise staying out of trouble. There was one night we all recall, when everyone [that lived in the house] had drifted off to bed before a roomful of teenagers had left! We will take joy and comfort in these memories — happy, sad, and everything in between — and in the certain knowledge that there will be a glad reunion day in that city not made with hands. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 18th, 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Keith Bates officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM before the service. Jonathan Rochester, James Walker, Mark McCarty, Coleman Pugh, Ethan Pugh, and Grant Orr will serve as pallbears. Flowers are kindly accepted, however, in lieu of flowers, donations in Pearl's name may be made to Calvary Children's Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127.